Hi! Let me introduce myself. My name is Tania Salim. I am just an ordinary middle-aged woman. This is my first writing and I want to thank Mr. Edward Thomas for his help in finishing this writing. Let’s join me in doing good deeds by reading and sharing it with other people who may need it.
For this time, allow me to share with my dearest readers my personal experience as a nasopharynx cancer survivor. Hopefully it can be useful for the ones who need it.
In the early 2019, after undergoing a biopsy and a series of tests, I was diagnosed with stadium 4 nasopharynx cancer. Then, I went through the chemotherapy and radiotherapy until all of it was considered done.
However, in 2021, it was detected that the cancer cells had metastasized to the lungs. Once more, I underwent treatments.
Then in 2022, it seemed to have appeared on the lower right lip. The doctor suggested a surgical operation on that section. Subsequently, there was an infection post the surgery, so the doctor suggested brachytherapy which I had to undergo last August 2022.
Initially, I focus on physical health by living a healthy lifestyle, namely having a nutritious diet, exercising lightly, such as cycling or walking in the morning, sunbathing at certain hours in the morning, getting enough resting hours, and doing other things that can improve my physical health.
Next, I focus on my mental health because physical health and mental health support each other.
According to my observations so far, it is mental health that really needs more attention. Who doesn’t feel mentally depressed or upset when they have this kind of malady?
We will surely feel afraid, sad, depressed, worried about things, and a myriad of other negative feelings. Nevertheless, we must immediately rise from these and fight the onslaught of negative feelings that emerge and replace them with positive feelings in order to increase our immune system so that we can survive from this unfortunate ordeal.
Once, I also suffered from depression when the cancer cells metastasized to the lungs, which I mentioned earlier in this writing. I became easily moved and shed tears unstoppably.
Luckily, I have immense support from my family, relatives, friends, colleagues, and even from people whom I can’t recall. How can that be?
Please keep on reading to look for the answer.
Here are some of my tips:
1. Be grateful
As human beings, we must accept the fact that everything that is born will surely pass away. In the end, we have to leave this world, sooner or later. Especially during the previous Covid-19 pandemic, we saw cases or occurrences that enlightened us more about this.
So be grateful that we are still given the opportunity to carry on living even with a less good physical condition.
Our physical health may experience changes as we age, but our mental health must be maintained.
2. Cheer up!
Complaining will not solve problems, especially if it takes us deep down in misery which will make us even more upset. Therefore, try to laugh and look forward to every opportunity that we get.
3. Meditate
The purpose of meditation is to calm and soothe our mind which usually wanders around. By wandering around, negatively, it will only add burdens into our life that are already quite heavy with the illnesses we suffer from.
By meditating we become serene and are more able to accept the alteration of the physical condition.
And if possible, we need to make peace with the disease we are suffering from. Accept the fact that our body will experience changes as we grow older.
4. Do good deeds
Instead of sinking into despair, it’s better for us to rise immediately by taking advantages of the remaining time and the strength that we still have to do good deeds such as charities for those who really need help, and so on. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Adjust to your ability only.
Even if it is just by showing others your most beautiful smile, it is considered virtuous, especially when they feel happy with what you have done.
I am aware of the look on my face which is a bit strange after the lip surgery, especially when I smile. I don’t know whether you will still feel happy with my strange smile. Do you want to see it now? LOL
But I’m sure there must be someone who will appreciate my smile, especially if it is a sincere one.
For this point, I beg for your permission to write more to share my experiences with you.
There are always valuable lessons which we can learn from every problem that takes place in our lives.
Likewise with the problem I am currently facing, namely I have the opportunity to become an impromptu writer at Kompasiana to share tips on dealing with difficult times in my life.
Well, doesn’t that mean I have already done a good deed only by writing this article?
Your previous question has also been answered, due to the fact that I also get support from the readers, both those I am acquainted with and those I’m not, right? Therefore, try to be good to anyone, anytime, and anywhere.
In conclusion, please allow me to express my deepest gratitude to Kompasiana for this.
My dearest friends within the same boat, pray our gratitude to the Almighty in accordance with the faith and belief of each of us because we are still provided with the opportunity to carry on living.
Use this opportunity to do something useful, not only for yourself, but also for others.
Make everything meaningful.
Keep fighting! Keep up with the good spirit!
By: Dra. Tania Salim and Edward Thomas, S.E.
